By Priyanshi Jain
India, with its diverse culture, rich heritage, and vast landscapes, holds a special place in the hearts of its people. The adage “Meri Maati Mera Desh” encapsulates the deep-rooted love and pride Indians have for their land. This phrase, which translates to “My Soil, My Country,” highlights the unbreakable bond between the people and their motherland. In this article, we delve into the significance of “Meri Maati Mera Desh” and explore the profound emotions it evokes.
The “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign commenced from 9th August 2023 as a culminating event of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. It is a tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas who made the invaluable sacrifice for the country.
On the occasion of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday, ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’ was organised by the Central Government under the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. This program was organised on October 30 and 31 at Vijay Chowk, in which a large number of people participated.
The Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign had the following schedule:
- Shilaphalakam Installation: Shillapallakams, or memorial plaques, was constructed in the village panchayats near Amrit Sarovars in remembrance of the valiant warriors.
- Pledge of Commitment: At the memorial sites, individuals cleared their commitment to the nation and its ideals.
- Vasudha Vandhan: Aiming to create an Amrit Vatika, every village or gram panchayat planted 75 native saplings as part of the ‘Vasudha Vandhan. “
- Veeron Ka Vandan: The families of the freedom fighters, both living and dead, was recognised and congratulated.
- National Flag Hoisting: Hoisting of the National Flag and singing of National Anthem was undertaken at the sites.
About Amrit Kalash Yatra
Youth volunteers and other people from all corners of the country collected Mitti from Panchayats/Villages and brought it to the Block level. Similarly, Mitti was collected from smaller urban bodies and brought to larger Municipalities/urban local bodies. Subsequently, Mitti Kalash, having the soil from the Panchayats/Villages/urban areas, was carried to the National Capital.
About the Azadi Ka Mahotsav Amrit (AKAM)
- The government of India celebrated and remembered 75 years of independence with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme.
- The Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav programme came to an end on India’s 77th Independence Day,15 august 2023.
- On March 12, 2021, the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav got underway.
Since then, the public has enthusiastically participated in over two lakh events held across the country.
To sum up, the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign is an inventive and distinctive approach to commemorate the 77th anniversary of India’s independence. Everyone can take part in the national campaign by sending soil samples to the Ministry of Culture from their hometowns or historically significant locations. Amrit Vatika will also be made using this soil.